Rio Pinar at Rio Pinar Country Club

Rio Pinar Country Club, a fixture of Orlando golf since its inception in 1957, carries the weight of history – most notably, its tenure as a PGA Tour stop for nearly two decades. Its traditional, parkland-style layout, sculpted across the gently rolling terrain east of downtown Orlando, is a study in classic, old-school design. The routing presents a balanced test; while not overly long, strategic bunkering and subtly contoured greens place a premium on accurate approach shots and deft putting. The course generally doesn't favor any particular shot shape, offering a fair challenge to all styles of play.

Originally designed by Mark Mahannah, Rio Pinar has seen subtle refinements over the years, maintaining its classic character. For 17 years, the Rio Pinar Country Club hosted the PGA Tour's Citrus Open. This tournament wasn't just any stop on tour; it launched the careers of several golf legends. The champions list includes names like Arnold Palmer, Julius Boros, and Gary Player, each etching their name into the course's lore.

While not prominently featured on global lists today, Rio Pinar maintains a strong regional presence, cherished by its membership. Many members enjoy the club's social atmosphere and active golf calendar, offering a year-round schedule of tournaments and events. As for post-round fare, while no single item defines the culinary experience, the clubhouse grill is known for delivering consistently solid, traditional American fare that satisfies after a round in the Florida sun.